In-House or Outsource? Building the Right Team for Long-Term Sustainability Commitments in Fashion

When it comes to sustainability and circularity, the fashion industry is standing at a crossroads. With the pressure to reduce environmental impact growing louder and new regulations around sustainability taking center stage, one thing is crystal clear: these aren’t short-term commitments - long-term strategies is required to influence how brands operate for decades to come.

But here’s the big question: how do you create a team capable of delivering on these ambitious goals? Do you hire in-house talent to build a dedicated team, or do you collaborate with external vendors and startups with cutting-edge expertise?

Well, let’s dive in to explore our options, the pros and cons, and how some of the biggest players in the industry are tackling this challenge.

Sustainability Is a Long Game, Not a Quick Fix

Sustainability and circularity require more than just meeting today’s compliance standards, they’re long-term commitments that will shape business decisions for decades. Companies like Patagonia and Stella McCartney have set the gold standard for integrating sustainability into every aspect of their operations, from sourcing and production to marketing and customer engagement.

Achieving this level of commitment means creating robust support structures—either through internal teams, external collaborations, or a mix of both. This isn’t a one-off project; it’s a marathon that requires consistent investment in resources, talent, and innovative thinking.

Today’s Talent Landscape: A Moving Target

Finding the right talent to execute your sustainability strategy is no easy feat. The job market is shifting, with younger generations redefining work norms. According to a research done by Visa*, 45% of Gen Z now works side hustles alongside traditional jobs, favoring flexibility and purpose-driven work over rigid 9-to-5 roles.

At the same time, startups specializing in sustainable innovation are booming. They’re attracting top talent who prefer dynamic, entrepreneurial environments where they can make an immediate impact. For fashion brands, this means fierce competition for sustainability professionals and a growing need to balance internal capabilities with external expertise.

In-House Teams: Building Long-Term Capacity

Building an internal sustainability team has its advantages, especially for brands that are in it for the long haul.

1. Deep Brand Integration

An in-house team lives and breathes your brand. They understand your values, culture, and long-term vision. This allows them to align sustainability goals with the unique DNA of your company.

2. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Sustainability isn’t a siloed function—it touches everything from product design to supply chain management to marketing. An internal team can work closely across departments to embed sustainability into every decision.

3. Ownership and Accountability

With an in-house team, there’s no passing the buck. They own the strategy, the execution, and the results. This direct accountability can drive better outcomes over time.

However, building an internal team takes time and money. Recruitment is competitive, and retaining top talent requires ongoing investment in training, development, and career growth. Plus, you’ll need to act fast—delays in hiring or structuring your team could slow down your sustainability progress.

The Case for Collaborating with External Vendors

Sometimes, looking outside your organization can be the smarter move, especially when you need to move quickly or access niche expertise.

1. Expertise on Demand

External vendors, from startups to consulting firms, often specialize in areas like circular design, sustainable materials, or carbon footprint tracking. They bring a level of expertise and innovation that might take years to build in-house.

2. Speed and Flexibility

Need to pilot a new recycling program or experiment with biodegradable materials? Startups and external vendors can get the ball rolling faster, with the agility to pivot as needed.

3. Cost Efficiency (in the Short Term)

If you’re not ready to invest in a full internal team, external partnerships can be a cost-effective way to get started. You pay for the services you need without the long-term overhead of salaries and benefits.

The Hybrid Approach: Leveraging Internal Strengths and External Expertise

For many fashion brands, the most effective route lies in adopting a hybrid approach—one that combines an internal team’s strategic vision with the specialized skills and agility of external vendors.

Here’s how it works:

Internal leadership: A dedicated team within the company outlines the sustainability goals, ensures alignment with the brand’s broader strategy, and keeps execution on track.
External collaborations: Partnering with specialized vendors or startups brings the technical expertise and innovative solutions required to tackle complex challenges like material circularity, supply chain transparency, or carbon reduction.

But what makes this approach truly powerful is the flexibility it offers. Instead of relying solely on full-time hires—often a costly and time-intensive process—companies can tap into a vast pool of external talent for specific needs.

Think Beyond the Hire: Why External Vendors Matter

The next time your company is faced with executing a major sustainability initiative, don’t limit your options to traditional hiring processes. Instead, consider the immense value external vendors can bring to the table.

1. Leverage Industry Experience Instantly!

External vendors often have years of specialized experience in niche areas such as circular design, sustainable sourcing, or emissions tracking. They bring ready-made solutions and proven methodologies, allowing your company to accelerate progress without reinventing the wheel.

2. Cost-Effectiveness Without Compromising Quality

Hiring internal staff requires significant upfront investment—not just in salaries, but also in training and onboarding. By contrast, external partners offer immediate results at a fraction of the cost. You only pay for the specific services you need, making this a highly efficient way to allocate resources.

3. Strategic Control Stays in Your Hands

Collaborating with vendors doesn’t mean relinquishing control. With a hybrid model, your internal team remains in charge of strategic direction, ensuring that every external partnership aligns with your brand’s values and long-term sustainability goals.

By balancing internal and external resources, fashion brands can build a system that’s both agile and robust—ready to adapt to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving industry.

Why It’s About More Than Cost

While cost-effectiveness is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the sole driver of your decision. A reduced budget often leads to reduced outcomes. Sustainability and circularity require significant investment, not just in dollars but in commitment and vision.

What matters most is building a support system—whether internal, external, or hybrid—that can deliver real, measurable impact. This means understanding the broader talent landscape, investing in the right people and partnerships, and staying flexible enough to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities.

Building for the Future

Sustainability isn’t just a passing trend—it’s the future of fashion. Whether you choose to hire in-house, partner with external vendors, or adopt a hybrid approach, the goal is the same: creating a robust, adaptable system that can deliver on your brand’s long-term sustainability commitments.

The decisions you make today about your team and partnerships will determine your brand’s ability to thrive in an evolving industry.

So, what’s your next move?

*Source: https://www.visa.co.uk/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.3334742.html